St. Mary's University Athletics

Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter (1992-1994)

April Fricke dominated the headlines while at St. Mary’s for her play on the hardwood where she lit up the volleyball court for two seasons after transferring in 1992 from Wharton Junior College.

Fricke was a defensive stalwart for the Rattlers, patrolling the net with her commanding height of 5-foot-11. In 1993, she led the team defensively with 557 digs (4.2 per game) and 502 kills (3.8 per game). That same year, St. Mary’s finished District IV runners-up with a 31-8 record and Fricke become the first All-American selection in St. Mary’s volleyball program as a NAIA Second Team All-American selection. For her two seasons of play, Fricke was name District Most Valuable Player, All-Region and All-Conference each season.

Her athletic career at St. Mary’s also included spending the 1994-1995 season playing center for the Lady Rattlers women’s basketball team. She graduated in 1995 with a B.A. in exercise and sports science.

After St. Mary’s, she tried out for the U.S. National Team, played USCA Volleyball and played on a club team that advanced to nationals. Fricke’s lifelong passion for the sport started at Bellville High School where she was as decorated an athlete as she was at St. Mary’s, having been named All-District, All-Region, All-Tri County, All-State and All-Star.